Does The Cold Affect The Quality of My Propane

It’s inevitable that temperatures will drop so be prepared

Those of us who live here in Central Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire know a little too well that the cold weather affects our daily lives in more ways than we can count. It can cause traffic and hazardous driving conditions if the roads become dangerous due to snow or ice. Obviously we bundle up in layers, hats and gloves. Our boilers and furnaces are on and working at all hours.

What some people may be less aware of is that a propane tank is affected by cold weather as well.

Cold weather and propane

While some of us may not be the biggest fans of winter, the good news is that cold temperatures don’t affect the quality of a homeowner’s propane supply. Your fuel won’t experience any deterioration and its shelf life will remain unlimited. On top of that, it takes a lot for propane to actually freeze. In fact, propane’s freezing point is -306.4 degrees Fahrenheit!

While propane is not affected by cold weather, a drop in temperatures does, however, affect a propane tank’s pressure.

Propane decreases in volume as temperatures drop, causing it to contract. This impacts the internal pressure of a propane tank and causes that pressure to decrease.

Sometimes this affects what you see on your propane tank gauge – your gauge reading will make you think you have less propane in your tank than you actually do. On top of that, your fuel might not be able to reach the burners of your gas-fired equipment due to a loss of tank pressure. This typically only occurs when temperatures are really cold for an extended period of time.

Keeping propane tank pressure consistent

Of course we can’t control the temperatures, but there are some things a homeowner can do to help with the pressure of his or her propane tank throughout the winter. Here are some tips:

• Start using a programmable thermostat: This will help decrease your overall propane consumption. A programmable thermostat lets you control the temperature of your house even when you’re not at home. Using less fuel and not having your heat blasting when no one is home adds up in savings on your energy costs.
• Make sure there is fuel in your propane tank at all times: The general recommendation on this is that your tank should be at the 30% full mark at all times.
• Keep your tank clear of the elements: Make sure you clear off any snow that has accumulated on your propane tank as quickly as possible. A cleared tank can get hit with natural sunlight, which helps keep it warm. This, in turn, reduces volume contraction.

Additional advantages of propane

The fact that propane doesn’t deteriorate or freeze in cold weather is a huge plus to anyone who uses the fuel. But that is far from its only advantage. Propane is also efficient, cost-effective, versatile, environmentally friendly and accessible.

Propane tanks from Fraticelli Oil & Propane

If you are in need of a propane tank and are in Southern New Hampshire or Central Massachusetts, Fraticelli Oil & Propane can help. We offer propane tank leases, installations, maintenance and repairs.

You can also count on us for reliable propane deliveries throughout the area as well.

Contact Fraticelli Oil & Propane today and let us know how we can help with your propane needs.